Mortar cement is a specialized type of cementitious material used in construction as a binding agent for masonry units such as bricks, blocks, and stones. Here's an overview of mortar cement:
Composition: Mortar cement is a mixture of Portland cement, hydrated lime, and sometimes other additives such as air-entraining agents or plasticizers. The proportion of Portland cement to lime varies depending on the desired properties and application requirements of the mortar.
Portland Cement: Portland cement is the primary active ingredient in mortar cement. It is a fine powder consisting mainly of calcium silicates, aluminates, and ferrites obtained by calcining limestone and clay minerals at high temperatures. Portland cement provides the binding properties necessary for mortar to adhere to masonry units and harden into a solid mass.
Hydrated Lime: Hydrated lime, also known as slaked lime, is added to mortar cement to improve workability, plasticity, and water retention. Lime reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide, which contributes to the hydration process of cement and helps reduce shrinkage cracking in the mortar. Additionally, lime enhances the durability and weather resistance of mortar by improving its ability to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and sulfate attack.
Additives: Mortar cement may contain additives such as air-entraining agents, plasticizers, or water reducers to enhance specific properties of the mortar, such as workability, bonding strength, and resistance to cracking. Air-entraining agents create tiny air bubbles in the mortar, increasing its freeze-thaw resistance and workability. Plasticizers or water reducers improve mortar flowability and reduce water content without compromising strength.
Mixing: Mortar cement is typically mixed with sand and water to produce mortar for masonry applications. The ratio of cement to sand and the water-to-cement ratio vary depending on factors such as the type of masonry units, environmental conditions, and desired mortar strength. Proper mixing and proportioning of ingredients are essential to achieve the desired consistency and performance of the mortar.
Applications: Mortar cement is used for various masonry applications, including laying bricks, blocks, stones, and tiles, as well as for plastering, stuccoing, and pointing. It provides the bond strength, adhesion, and durability required to construct load-bearing and non-load-bearing masonry walls, partitions, and facades in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Performance: Mortar cement offers excellent bond strength, durability, and weather resistance when properly mixed and applied. It forms a strong bond with masonry units, providing structural stability and protection against moisture penetration, frost damage, and chemical attack. Mortar cement mortar sets and hardens over time through a process called hydration, forming a durable and cohesive bond between the masonry units.